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River Chokes on Industrial Waste: Urgent Action Demanded
11 Feb
Summary
- Activists demand decisive action against industrial pollution of Phalguni River.
- Dead aquatic life and foul odors plague local rivulets near Baikampady.
- NGT committee formed in 2022 to investigate Phalguni River pollution causes.
The Nagarika Horata Samithi in Surathkal has issued a strong plea to the district administration to urgently intervene and prevent further pollution of the Phalguni (Gurupura) River and its tributaries. They allege that industrial effluents from the Baikampady Industrial Area are responsible for the dire environmental state of the river system.
Reports indicate that aquatic life in rivulets flowing into the Phalguni has perished, leaving behind a foul smell and dead fish and crabs. Samithi convener Muneer Katipalla expressed deep concern, stating that the river's water has turned black with critically low oxygen levels. He criticized the administration for potentially misleading the National Green Tribunal with superficial remedies.
A committee was constituted by the NGT in April 2022, including representatives from the Union Environment Ministry, Central Pollution Control Board, and local authorities, to investigate the pollution. However, residents fear a repeat of past inaction, with threats of widespread protests if the issue is not addressed decisively. The Catholic Sabha has also submitted a petition to the Deputy Commissioner, highlighting the stagnant water near Kuloor due to a coffer bund and ongoing effluent discharge.
